Ruth 1:1-19a; 2 Timothy 2:1-13; Luke 17:11-19

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

What does it take to earn the title “master”? In most scenarios, it often means you are really good at something. For instance, champions in chess or golf are called “masters”. Or you might think of someone earning a “masters” degree in a field of study. Masters are often those who are extremely talented in their field and exceed the skills of most others.

It often takes years, or even decades for most to achieve such a status. It’s also the case that only a very few will actually achieve it. This is why we don’t sling such a title around needlessly. We don’t just call everyone “master” lest it suddenly mean nothing. To call someone master is to acknowledge both their skill and the time and effort they put into it.

As we read our Gospel lesson this week, we hear ten lepers call out to Jesus for help and mercy. What is more interesting is what they call Jesus, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us,” Luke 17:13. What these ten lepers proclaim with this title is that Jesus is more than able to heal them. They know that Jesus is “master” over illness and disease since word of Jesus healing others has crossed their ears a number of times. But even more so, this simple title is a statement of their unworthiness to ask anything of Jesus. Rather, they seek his mercy for they have no greater hope.

Consider that we are like those lepers. We have been isolated and alienated by our sin. For leprosy at that time caused individuals to live outside the camp or community. They were cut off from everyone until they were healed or died. Sin does the same to us. Sin cuts us off from God and from one another. And we have no greater hope than appealing to the mercy of our master... God.

Of all the names and titles we ascribe to Jesus, master is perhaps one we don’t often consider. However, it’s a title that fits Jesus just as well as any other. For who else is able to heal like Jesus can? He doesn’t need to see or touch, but only says the word so that these ten lepers are healed! So too with us and our sins. Jesus is master over us. He’s the one whom can forgive our sins, heal our divisions, bring back the wandering, restore those alienated from community, and so much more. For all of this he does by going to the cross for us! Jesus is the master, not just over health and diseases, but over all of creation, over sin and death. Better yet, he’s a master that has mercy! For Jesus isn’t just our last hope; he’s our best hope! Jesus has mercy on us and grants us the gifts of faith so that we may be healed of the disease of sin, and restored unto the community of God! So let us turn back to Jesus and offer up our thanks and praise for all he has done for us!

Pastor Sorenson

Prayer:

Almighty God, You show mercy to Your people in all their troubles. Grant us always to recognize Your goodness, give thanks for Your compassion, and praise Your holy name; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!